Nov 19th, 2021 - Helen Tai

Next SolSeminar will be presented by Helen Tai on Solanaceae and the insect herbivore Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Abstract. The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is an economically important herbivore pest of Solanaceae crops, particularly potato, S. tuberosum L., which sustains losses of 30-50 % yield with infestations. The insect has rapidly spread across regions with intensive potato cultivation in North America, then Europe and has recently been detected in Asia. Additionally, beetle populations with resistance to insecticides have arisen, making breeding for resistant potato varieties a priority.  Wild Solanum relatives of potato with beetle resistance were identified as sources of genes for introgression.  Glycoalkaloids, a class of toxic compounds produced at high levels in Solanaceae plants, are implicated in host resistance to the beetle.  At the same time, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) is highly adapted to feeding on plants with high levels of glycoalkaloids solanine and chaconine. The seminar will cover metabolomic and molecular studies investigating glycoalkaloids in host interaction with the beetle.   Comparative analysis of foliar metabolites in S. tuberosum L. and beetle-resistant wild Solanum uncovered  glycoalkaloid compounds with different structures associated with either decreased or increased defoliation by the beetle.  Studies on the effects of altering the biosynthetic pathway for solanine and chaconine in S. tuberosum L. hosts on beetle interaction will also be discussed.

When? Friday Nov 19th 4 pm (GMT+1)

The zoom link to join the meeting is https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/94333146166 Meeting ID: 943 3314 6166, password: Solanaceae

Watch this talk in TouTube: https://youtu.be/DEAzZdxrDtU